Panasonic TX-50CX680 Review - Sound and Conclusions Review

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Panasonic TX-50CX680 – Sound Quality

Sonically the 50CX680 is less convincing than it is with its pictures. A merely average amount of power leaves the soundstage sounding a bit caged in and muffled under duress. High voices can distort slightly too, while other high-pitched details and soundmix elements can occasionally become harsh.

However, the limitations of the 50CX680’s audio aren’t so bad by any means that they destroy the viewing experience; you can still actually enjoy a movie soundtrack at a reasonable volume without finding yourself wincing too much or struggling to make out what anyone is saying.

The cabinet doesn’t phut and rattle when the going gets tough, either. It’s just that there are certainly other TVs out there that do better.

Other things to consider

Our tests of the 50CX680’s input lag – the time it takes to render images after receiving image data at its inputs – recorded a measurement of 38ms on average. This is 10ms or so more than we’d ideally like to see, but it still classes as a respectable result for a 4K UHD TV, making it a satisfactory monitor for all but the most serious of gamers.

Should I buy a Panasonic TX-50CX680?

If you want better motion handling you could step up to the Panasonic 50CX700. Or if you want to save a couple of hundred pounds the Hisense LTDN50K321UWT is an assured 50-inch 4K TV, albeit one that lacks the colour and shadow detail finesse of the 50CX680. Samsung has a couple of interesting 50-inch models around at a similar sort of price too that offer more aggressive pictures, but the Panasonic’s black level handling and colour finesse are unique for its money.

Verdict

So long as you’re not bothered by the 50CX680’s lack of HDR and 3D support – which you really shouldn’t be, considering how cheap it is – it’s a really outstanding television for the price. This cements Panasonic’s position as the most improved and promising TV brand coming into 2016.

Score

Score in detail

Features 8

Value 9

Smart TV 9

Image Quality 9

Design 8

Sound Quality 6

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